Even as snow blankets the West Michigan landscape there arealready early signs of the arrival of spring and one of America'sfavorite pastimes --baseball.

The Detroit Tigers Winter Caravan is coming to the DeVos Fieldhouse on thecampus of Hope College on Monday, January 14.

The mid-day event will be open to the public free of charge. This willbe a no autograph event.

The Tigers will be led by Tigers President, CEO and General ManagerDavid Dombrowski and coaches Andy Van Slyke and Rafael Belliard.Players scheduled to be in the caravan include catcher Vance Wilson, pitcherJordan Tata, pitcher Rick Porcello and pitcherZach Miner.

The program will include a question-and-answer opportunity for membersof the audience. FSN Detroit announcer Mario Impemba will bethe MC. He will be joined by Holland Sentinel senior sportscorrespondent Leo Martonosi.

In addition to providing an introduction of members of the 2008Detroit Tigers and prospects for the upcoming season, this will be anopportunity to showcase Hope College baseball and softball. Both Hopeteams will begin play in new on-campus stadiums next spring. Each program hasa strong tradition of excellence as members of the MichiganIntercollegiate Athletic Association.

Hope's MIAA champion baseball team competed in an internationaltournament in The Czech Republic last summer. Highlights from thattournament, including segments from a nationally televised game, willbe presented by coach Stu Fritz.

Hope softball coach Karla Wolters will share her interest in thehistory of sport with a presentation on the development of the game ofbaseball with a special emphasis on its place in West Michigan.

The doors to DeVos Fieldhouse will open at 11 a.m. The program willbegin at 11:30 a.m. The fieldhouse concession stands will feature amenu with a baseball fare. The event will conclude at 1:15 p.m.